The gods of the primitive man are beings of thoroughly human physiognomy, painted with colors furnished by intercourse with his fellows.

These are his enemies or his friends, as he conciliates or insults them.

No mere man, least of all a savage, is kind and benevolent in spite of neglect and injury, nor is any man causelessly and ceaselessly malicious.

Personal, family, or national feuds render some more inimical than others, but always from a desire to guard their own interests, never out of a delight in evil for its own sake.

Thus the cruel gods of death, disease, and danger, were never of Satanic nature, while the kindliest divinities were disposed to punish, and that severely, any neglect of their ceremonies.